Concrete benches for cemetery: Weight, durability, and pricing

A concrete bench is a classic choice for a cemetery. Concrete is heavy, weather-resistant, low-maintenance, and accepts an engraved or attached plaque. The right concrete bench will sit at the gravesite for decades with minimal care.

Why concrete is a common choice

A few practical reasons concrete is common:

• Weight: a concrete bench typically weighs 250-800 pounds. That weight deters theft, prevents movement in wind, and gives the bench a permanent, anchored feel.
• Weather resistance: concrete survives rain, sun, snow, and freeze-thaw cycles with minimal wear. A sealed concrete bench can last 30-50 years.
• Low maintenance: concrete requires no painting, no sealing (if bought pre-sealed), and no special care. An occasional wash with soap and water keeps it clean.
• Cost: a concrete bench is mid-range in price, less expensive than a granite bench and similar to a cast iron or powder-coated steel bench.
• Customization: concrete can be cast in a wide range of shapes, from a simple slab to an ornate Victorian form. It also accepts an engraved plaque, an attached metal plaque, or a cast bronze medallion.

Standard styles

A few common concrete bench styles for cemeteries:

• Park bench: a 4-6 foot bench with a slatted or solid backrest, on a concrete base. The park style is the most common.
• Pedestal bench: a smaller bench on a central pedestal, with the seat and back attached to the pedestal. The pedestal style is more formal and is common for dedications.
• Slab bench: a heavy concrete slab with no backrest, used as a simple seat or a marker. The slab style is the most affordable.
• Memorial bench: a 4-6 foot bench with a name and dates engraved on the backrest. The memorial style is the most common for cemetery donations.
• Companion bench: a longer bench (6-8 feet) for two people. The companion style is common for spouses and for parents.

Weights and Sizes

A typical concrete park bench weighs 250-500 pounds. A pedestal bench weighs 200-400 pounds. A slab bench weighs 300-800 pounds. A memorial bench with a backrest weighs 300-500 pounds. A companion bench weighs 400-800 pounds.

The weight matters for installation. A 500-pound bench requires a small crew (2-4 people) and sometimes a small tractor or a hand truck to move into place. Delivery is usually by truck with a liftgate.

The size depends on the style. A 4-foot bench seats 2 adults. A 5-foot bench seats 2-3 adults. A 6-foot bench seats 3 adults. A 6-8 foot companion bench seats 3-4 adults.

Colors and Finishes

The most common colors for a concrete bench are gray (the natural concrete color), buff, tan, brown, and white. Some manufacturers offer custom colors for an additional fee. The color is added to the concrete mix before pouring, so the color is consistent throughout the piece (not a surface coating that can wear off).

A few common finishes:

• Smooth: a polished, even surface. The smooth finish is the most common and the most affordable.
• Exposed aggregate: the surface is washed to reveal the small stones in the mix. The exposed aggregate finish is more decorative and more slip-resistant.
• Stamped: a pattern is pressed into the surface while the concrete is still wet. Common patterns include brick, stone, slate, and wood grain.
• Stained: a surface stain is applied after the concrete has cured. Staining can create a marble, slate, or wood look. The stain is a surface coating and can wear over 10-20 years.
• Painted: a concrete-safe paint is applied. Painting is the least durable finish and requires repainting every 5-10 years.

What to Engrave on a Concrete Bench

Concrete accepts a few types of engraving:

• Sandblasted engraving: the most common. Letters are sandblasted into the surface, then filled with paint (black, white, gold, or a custom color). Sandblasted engraving is durable and reads clearly.
• Cast-in lettering: the letters are cast into the concrete when the bench is poured. Cast-in lettering is the most durable and the most formal.
• Attached plaque: a cast bronze, cast aluminum, or stainless steel plaque is bolted to the backrest or the seat front. The attached plaque is the most common method for adding a detailed inscription, a photo, or a logo.

A concrete bench with a backrest typically has 20-30 characters per line and 2-4 lines of text. A larger backrest or a separate plaque can hold more.

Installation and Freeze-Thaw

A concrete bench is heavy enough to sit directly on a level surface, but a gravel base or a small concrete pad is recommended. The base helps with drainage and prevents the bench from sinking into soft soil over time. A typical installation: 4-6 inches of compacted gravel, with the bench placed on top and leveled.

Freeze-thaw is the most common cause of concrete damage. Water gets into a small surface crack, freezes, expands, and widens the crack. Over many cycles, the crack becomes a chip. To minimize the risk:

• Buy a sealed concrete bench (most quality benches are pre-sealed).
• Avoid placing the bench in a low spot where water collects.
• Inspect the bench annually for cracks. Seal small cracks with a concrete patch kit.
• Re-seal the bench every 5-10 years to renew the surface protection.

A well-maintained concrete bench will last 30-50 years in most climates. In a coastal or very wet climate, the lifespan may be 20-30 years.

Prices and Where to Buy

A concrete park bench runs $500-$1,500. A pedestal bench runs $400-$1,200. A slab bench runs $300-$800. A memorial bench with engraving runs $700-$2,000. A companion bench runs $900-$2,500. A custom-designed concrete bench runs $1,500-$4,000+.

Common sources: Bohlmann Concrete Products, Swan Floral, Woods Floral, The Comfort Company, Memorial Benches, Amazon (limited selection), local concrete fabricators. Many local monument companies and cemetery supply companies also carry concrete benches.

Frequently asked questions

References

• www.thecomfortcompany.com
• www.smithsteelworks.com
• www.barcoproducts.com
• www.memorialbenches.com
• www.hearttoheartsympathygifts.com